Why Change Your Wife?

Plot

Robert Bordon (Thomas Meighan) is married to Beth (Gloria Swanson), but their marriage has grown stale and passionless. Robert meets the vivacious Sally Clark (Bebe Daniels) at a cabaret and becomes infatuated with her carefree, modern attitude, leading him to divorce Beth. After marrying Sally, Robert discovers her superficiality and materialism are not what he truly wants, while Beth, determined to win him back, transforms herself into a sophisticated, fashionable woman. The couple meets again at a summer resort where they rediscover their love for each other, leading to a reconciliation and second marriage. The film explores themes of marital dissatisfaction, personal transformation, and the realization that true love often requires looking past superficial attractions.

Historical Background

"Why Change Your Wife?" was released in 1920, a period of significant social change in America following World War I. The 1920s, often called the "Roaring Twenties," saw shifting attitudes toward marriage, gender roles, and sexuality, with women gaining more independence and challenging traditional expectations. The film reflected these changing social norms, particularly through its exploration of marital dissatisfaction and the idea that women could actively work to improve themselves and their relationships. The post-war period also saw the rise of consumer culture, with department stores and fashion becoming increasingly important in American life, elements prominently featured in the film. The movie industry itself was undergoing major changes in 1920, with Hollywood firmly established as the center of American film production and studios developing more sophisticated production methods.

Making Of

The production of "Why Change Your Wife?" was marked by Cecil B. DeMille's meticulous attention to detail and his reputation for demanding performances from his actors. Gloria Swanson, who had already worked with DeMille on several films, had developed a professional relationship with the director that pushed her to new heights as an actress. The film's fashion elements were particularly important to DeMille, who believed that visual spectacle was crucial to audience engagement. The department store scene was one of the most elaborate sets constructed for the film, showcasing the latest fashions of the era. The film was shot during a period of transition in Hollywood, as the industry was establishing itself as the center of American film production. DeMille's approach to the material balanced social commentary with entertainment, a hallmark of his directing style.

Visual Style

The cinematography of "Why Change Your Wife?" was handled by Alvin Wyckoff, a frequent collaborator with Cecil B. DeMille who was known for his technical skill and artistic sensibility. The film employed sophisticated lighting techniques to create mood and emphasize character development, particularly in contrasting the appearances of the two female leads. The visual style reflected DeMille's preference for elaborate compositions and attention to detail, with carefully constructed shots that highlighted the film's fashion elements and set design. The department store scenes featured particularly impressive cinematography, using camera movement and framing to showcase the luxurious settings and contemporary fashions. The film's visual approach balanced the need for clear storytelling in silent cinema with artistic flourishes that elevated the material beyond straightforward documentation.

Innovations

"Why Change Your Wife?" employed several technical approaches that were advanced for its time, particularly in its use of lighting and set design to support the narrative. The film's department store sequence featured impressive technical execution, with elaborate sets that allowed for complex camera movements and compositions. The makeup and costume transformations of Gloria Swanson's character demonstrated sophisticated understanding of visual continuity and character development through appearance. The film's editing techniques, particularly in the sequences showing parallel action between the separated characters, helped maintain narrative momentum and emotional engagement. The production design by Wilfred Buckland represented the state of the art in creating believable contemporary environments, with attention to architectural detail and period authenticity.

Music

As a silent film, "Why Change Your Wife?" would have been accompanied by live musical performances during its original theatrical run. The score would typically have been provided by a theater's organist or pianist, with cue sheets provided by the studio suggesting appropriate music for different scenes. The music would have ranged from light, playful pieces for the comedy scenes to more romantic melodies for the emotional moments between the main characters. The film's fashionable settings and scenes of social activity would have been accompanied by contemporary popular music of the era, helping to create an immersive experience for 1920s audiences. While no original score survives, the type of music that would have accompanied the film can be inferred from other DeMille productions of the period.

Memorable Scenes

• The department store scene where Beth transforms herself through fashionable clothing and makeup, showcasing both visual spectacle and character development.
• The cabaret scene where Robert first meets Sally, featuring elaborate choreography and production design capturing 1920s nightlife.
• The summer resort scenes where the transformed Beth and Robert reconnect, providing the emotional climax with beautiful location photography.
• The divorce scene, demonstrating the film's approach to serious social issues within the framework of entertainment.
• The final reconciliation scene that brings the narrative full circle, emphasizing themes of growth and second chances.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised "Why Change Your Wife?" for its sophisticated treatment of marital issues and its entertaining blend of comedy and drama. Many reviews highlighted Gloria Swanson's performance as particularly strong, noting her ability to convey both the dowdy housewife and the transformed woman with conviction. Cecil B. DeMille's direction was widely commended for its visual flair and ability to balance social commentary with entertainment value. The film's fashion elements and set design received special attention from critics, who appreciated the attention to detail in creating a believable contemporary setting. Modern critics and film historians view the movie as an important example of early 1920s social comedy, noting how it addressed changing attitudes toward marriage and gender roles while maintaining commercial appeal.

What Audiences Thought

"Why Change Your Wife?" was highly popular with audiences upon its release in 1920, becoming one of the year's most successful films at the box office. Viewers responded positively to the film's relatable depiction of marital problems and its hopeful message about reconciliation and personal growth. The transformation of Gloria Swanson's character from a dowdy housewife to a fashionable woman resonated particularly well with female audiences, many of whom were exploring new possibilities for self-expression in the post-war era. The film's balance of social commentary with entertainment appealed to a broad demographic, helping it achieve commercial success across different audience segments. The movie's popularity contributed to Gloria Swanson's status as one of the most popular actresses of the silent era.

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